The home of the Digby family set within a "Capability" Brown landscaped garden
Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Bike storage facilities
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Easily accessible without car
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Free parking
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
Discover Dorset’s best kept secret – Sherborne Castle & Gardens. Enjoy a fabulous day out at this glorious venue.
The castle was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and has been the home of the Digby family since 1617.
Walk in the footsteps of Sir Walter Raleigh and Royalty. The castle comes to life through the “Great Stories” and “Great Women of Sherborne Castle” series which focuses on the key moments of history. The castle reflects over 400 years of decorative styles. See magnificent staterooms, nationally important collections of art, furniture and porcelain, Raleigh’s kitchen, fossil display and a Family Museum pact with family curios including Lord Digby’s false teeth. This is an immersive and interactive experience.
The Castle is set in 42 acres of “Capability” Brown landscape gardens which surround a 50-acre serpentine lake. A short and long walk is available taking you to garden features including: a fossil house, cascade, folly, Raleigh’s seat, sunken garden, orangery and gingko lawn, boat house pier with views overlooking the ruins of the Old Castle. Colour is provided throughout the year. In spring, swathes of daffodils, narcissus, anemones and tulips light up the landscape. High summer colour is provided in the herbaceous borders and the spectacular Autumn colours are reflected in the
lake. The garden is home to many notable champion trees and unusual plants. This natural setting is fabulous for watching a host of wildlife on the lake – a photographer’s paradise. It’s a perfect setting to relax, and for a picnic too! We have a children’s trail and dogs are welcome on short leads.
Lunch can be taken in the Walled Garden Restaurant; please ask the staff at the Visitor Entrance for a 5% discount voucher when you arrive and remember to take home a bottle of our very own Sherborne Castle Wine!
The Castle is a 10-minute walk from the centre of Sherborne, an historic market which boasts an abbey, another castle (ruined), famous schools, and fabulous independent shops with an emphasis on antiques, fashion and gifts.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Sherborne Castle and Gardens is a historic site located in Dorset, England, featuring a castle built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and extensive gardens designed by Capability Brown. The site offers a variety of attractions and events throughout the year.
Opening Times
Gardens:
Open from 1st April to 30th September, daily from 10:30am to 5:00pm (last admission at 4:00pm).
Open from 1st October to 30th November, daily from 10:30am to 4:30pm (last admission at 3:30pm).
Closed from 1st December to 31st March.
Castle:
Open from 1st May to 30th September, daily from 12:00pm to 4:00pm (last admission at 3:00pm).
Closed from 1st October to 30th April.
Both the castle and gardens are closed on Mondays, except for Bank Holiday Mondays.
Admission Prices
- Gardens Only: Adults £15, Children (3-15) £5, Under 3s Free.
- Castle and Gardens: Adults £20, Children (3-15) £5, Under 3s Free.
- Historic Houses Members: Free entry to both the castle and gardens.
- English Heritage Members: Gardens only £13.50 (adults), £3.50 (children); Castle and Gardens £18.50 (adults), £3.50 (children).
Events
- Easter Trail: 1st April - 12th April 2026, 10:30am to 5:00pm (last admission at 4:00pm).
- Sherborne Castle Country Fair: 25th May 2026.
- Sherborne Castle Classic and Supercars: 26th July 2026.
- Autumn Colours Weekend: 24th - 25th October 2026, 10:00am to 4:00pm (last admission at 3:30pm).
- Children’s Autumn Pumpkin Trail: 24th October - 1st November 2026, 10:30am to 4:30pm (last admission at 3:30pm).
Additional Information
Dogs are welcome in the gardens on short leads but are not allowed inside the castle. The site is wheelchair accessible, with some limitations in the castle. The Walled Garden Restaurant offers food and refreshments, and visitors can enjoy a 5% discount with their entry ticket.
Gardens only:
Adult – £14
Children (3-15 yrs): £5
Under 3s: free entry
Castle & Gardens:
Adult: £19.50
Children (3-15 yrs): £5
Under 3s: free entry
Historic Houses members visit for free. Please scan your membership cards with the staff at the Visitor Entrance on the day of your visit. Timed tour slots of the castle are available to book on the day at the Visitor Entrance or in advance on the website.
Please also note that dogs are welcome in the Gardens, but not permitted in the castle (except guide or assistance dogs).
Take a tailor-made guided tour of the Castle – customised to your group’s interests. Free coach parking is available, and drivers are given a 5%
discount voucher for the Walled Garden Restaurant. Groups of 15+ receive a discount. Private views available by appointment.
Contact for more information.
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
Getting here
Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
Off New Road , B3145, on reaching Sherborne follow brown tourist signs. 1/4 mile from Sherborne railway station with direct link to Waterloo London
Bus stop is located outside the main gate – routes from Yeovil and Shaftsbury. Railway line from / to Exeter and mainline Waterloo London.
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